Son saves dog from fire in family home

Parents lose everything, but they're grateful to have service canine.

Parents lose everything, but they're grateful to have service canine.

February 16, 2007|STAN MADDUX Tribune Correspondent

MILL CREEK -- They lost everything, but a Mill Creek couple staying with family in LaPorte are thankful to still have their beloved Smokey, a service dog, rescued from their burning house. The 120-pound dog allows Karyl Kelley, a stroke survivor with diabetes, to live as normal a life as possible by helping her walk. Smokey can even alert her to when her blood-sugar levels are too high. "He's her angel on four paws," said Katrina Bohlin, the daughter of Douglas and Karyl Kelley, whose house at 7302 E. Division Road was destroyed in the Wednesday night blaze. Two rabbits and two cats perished in the fire. Surviving, though, were three snakes and "some type" of lizard kept in the basement, said Lincoln Township Fire Chief Dave Kaufman. According to LaPorte County police, the Kelleys were burning candles throughout the single-story house. And, while watching television, they smelled smoke. Douglas Kelley spotted flames on a bed in the master bedroom where a candle had also been lit. Fire quickly consumed the house, but the Kelleys along with their son, Michael, managed to escape. Smokey, though, had not made it outside yet. Michael Kelley, who happens to be a volunteer Lincoln Township firefighter, lives in the basement and went back inside to search for the dog. On his third time inside the burning structure, he carried out Smokey, who looked confused and disoriented, Bohlin said. Karyl Kelley was transported by ambulance to LaPorte Hospital with smoke inhalation and released several hours later. Kaufman said it's too early in the investigation to say officially if the candles caused the blaze. "I can't call it that until we dig in there and eliminate everything else," Kaufman said. Damage was estimated at a total loss of $100,000, police said. The Kelleys are currently staying with their daughter and son-in law in LaPorte. Douglas Kelley said he and his wife have been contacted by the Red Cross about obtaining clothes and extra food. He's also been in contact with his insurance company. "I don't know how long we're going to be here. Hopefully, we'll be able to find something more permanent," said Douglas Kelley.